Man confronts backyard intruder

CHATHAM CO., GA (WTOC) - A Savannah man noticed something wasn't quite right on his property late Sunday night as he was getting ready for bed.

And as he investigated, the homeowner came face to face with an intruder.

The man says he gave a warning, then went back into his house and returned with his 45-caliber pistol.

"That's the way I was brought up. Safety first, and my family," the homeowner.

The homeowner didn't want to be identified, but shared with WTOC what events played out in his backyard last night.

"I noticed the tailgate on my truck was down, which was a red flag. Noticed the gate was open," he said.

So as he went to investigate.

"Went to grab my gun, stepped outside the kitchen door and there the intruder was. He was looking at me and I was looking at him," the homeowner said.

Police say that intruder was 27-year-old Frank Vallejo.

"As soon as I reached in my pocket to get my phone out, he turned around and ran," the homeowner said.

He says Vallejo was running north on Atlantic Avenue toward Columbus Drive, and disappeared into someone's backyard. Police arrived in a matter of minutes, and caught Vallejo, who had stolen a grill grate and a bag of charcoal from the homeowner, that was later returned.

Vallejo is charged with theft and prowling.

In similar instances, we've heard police say just call 911, and avoid confronting a prowler, especially since that person could be armed.